The organiser of the Akwaaba African Travel Market, Mr. Ikechi Uko, recently reignited the debate when he lamented that the industry continues to struggle because Africans themselves do not patronise local destinations. According to him, if only 10 per cent of the continent’s travellers toured within Africa, the continent’s airlines would be thriving. He urged Africans to redirect their tourism spending to destinations within the continent rather than the well-developed markets of Europe, America, or the Middle East.
Tourism, ideally, should be an inclusive industry — a bridge between people and their heritage, a celebration of culture and identity. Yet, for millions of Africans, leisure is an unaffordable luxury. The daily struggle for survival overshadows any thought of holidays, and the few available resorts are often priced far beyond the reach of average citizens. In Nigeria, for instance, beach properties and holiday resorts have become exclusive preserves for the wealthy, fenced off from ordinary people who can only gaze from afar.
But poverty is only part of the problem. Bureaucratic barriers make movement within Africa a herculean task. In contrast to Europe’s open-border system, most African nations still maintain rigid visa requirements that frustrate travel across borders. The so-called “African passport” remains largely symbolic, inaccessible to most citizens. Ironically, it is often easier — and sometimes cheaper — for Africans to vacation in Dubai or Paris than in neighbouring Ghana or Kenya.
Transportation woes further stifle local tourism. Airfares within Africa are notoriously expensive, while poor roads and unreliable rail systems discourage road travel. In Nigeria, local trips can cost as much as international journeys, pushing families to abandon plans for domestic holidays altogether. Without affordable and efficient transport infrastructure, tourism remains a fantasy for the majority.
The lack of tourism education and awareness compounds the crisis. Many Africans grow up disconnected from their local environment, taught to equate holidays with foreign travel. Schools seldom include excursions to cultural or historic sites, and civic education rarely emphasises the social and economic value of local tourism. Consequently, young Africans see leisure as a foreign concept, rather than a celebration of their own heritage.
Even where attractions exist, neglect and decay dominate the scene. Once-thriving destinations such as Obudu Ranch, Olumo Rock, Ikogosi Warm Springs, and Yankari Game Reserve have fallen into disrepair. Poor maintenance, bad access roads, and corruption have driven them into decline. Governments, instead of revitalising these iconic sites, often chase new, flashy projects that collapse shortly after their launch.
Insecurity poses yet another obstacle. Across Nigeria and much of Africa, kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism have made travel unsafe. Former tourist havens like Jos and Yankari now struggle to attract even local visitors. Until safety is guaranteed, tourism will remain an afterthought, and Africans will continue to avoid travel within their own borders.
Yet, perhaps the most symbolic failure lies in leadership. African politicians and elites consistently shun local destinations, preferring vacations in Europe and the Middle East. Their absence sends a powerful message — that African resorts are not good enough. If leaders led by example, visiting and publicising local attractions, they could not only inspire confidence but also drive improvements in service standards.
The path forward requires deliberate reform. Governments must prioritise tourism as an economic pillar, investing in infrastructure, education, and security. Tourist sites should be democratised — affordable, safe, and accessible to ordinary citizens. Curricula should include tourism education, fostering pride in local destinations. Regional bodies like the African Union must accelerate efforts toward a truly functional African passport and free intra-continental movement.
Ultimately, Africa’s tourism revival begins with Africans themselves. Until citizens learn to explore and celebrate their own lands, the lament of poor local patronage will continue to echo. The continent’s beauty will remain unseen — not by the world, but by its own people.